Tenet 7 reminds members in service to a local government regardless of whether it is on a full-time, part-time, or an interim basis to “refrain from all political activities which undermine public confidence in professional administrators” and participating “in the election of members of the employing governing body.” 

Specifically, members in service to a local government may not participate in political activities to financially support or endorse the candidacy of any individual seeking elected office at any level of government.  There is no exception if the candidate a member wishes to support is in another jurisdiction of local government or in a different state entirely since members in service to a local government may not support a candidate for any elected office.

Applicable Tenet and Guidelines

Tenet 7.  Refrain from all political activities which undermine public confidence in professional administrators. Refrain from participation in the election of the members of the employing legislative body. 

GUIDELINES

Elections of the Governing Body.  Members should maintain a reputation for serving equally and impartially all members of the governing body of the local government they serve, regardless of party. To this end, they should not participate in an election campaign on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for the governing body.

Elections of Elected Executives.  Members shall not participate in the election campaign of any candidate for mayor or elected county executive.

Elections.  Members share with their fellow citizens the right and responsibility to vote. However, in order not to impair their effectiveness on behalf of the local governments they serve, they shall not participate in political activities to support the candidacy of individuals running for any city, county, special district, school, state or federal offices.  Specifically, they shall not endorse candidates, make financial contributions, sign or circulate petitions, or participate in fund-raising activities for individuals seeking or holding elected office.